Support Group Frequently Asked Questions

In Fall of 2022, Power for Parkinson's (PFP) started offering support groups for our participants and their caregivers. Since then, many of our participants have reached out to ask questions about the support groups and what they might expect if they decide to attend. In an effort to make the invitation to attend these groups even more welcoming, this blog post will answer frequently asked questions about PFP Support Groups!

What are support groups? 

Our support groups are an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s and caregivers or spouses of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) to gather and share coping strategies and information, offer encouragement, and develop a sense of belonging and community. 

Where are the groups held, and who can attend?

PFP offers both in-person and online support groups. The in-person support groups are held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on the third Tuesday of every month* from 9:30-10:45 am. Three different groups meet at Covenant: Men with PD, Women with PD, and Caregivers.

The virtual support groups have new times! The virtual group for People with Parkinson’s now meets on Zoom on the last Tuesday of every month from 1:00-2:15 CT*. The virtual support group for Care Partners meets on Zoom on the second Monday of each month, from 1:00-2:15 CT. Whether you are calling in from Austin or Australia, we would love to have you! You may come and go as you please; even if you have missed a couple of support group meetings before, you’re free to attend at your convenience.

*Check the Local Support Group Schedule or Virtual Support Group Schedule for exceptions.

Email us at info@powerforparkinsons.org with any questions.

Who facilitates the support groups? 

As a part of a partnership with UT-Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work, five Clinical Social Work Students & their professor plan and facilitate these support groups.

Why are the PFP support groups led by social workers instead of being led by People with Parkinson’s or caregivers themselves? 

Having a designated facilitator helps to guarantee that all group members have an opportunity to participate, that all group members respect group guidelines, and that the time spent in the support group is helpful to as many members as possible. Our social work facilitators also have the training to provide basic psycho-educational information that is relevant to the support group’s topic of the day. Finally, our facilitators have a specific therapeutic skill set that they use to ensure that our support groups remain a welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive environment.

What topics are discussed during the group? 

Each month, the group has a new “topic” to guide the conversation; however, participants are encouraged to share any topic they might want to discuss. Previous topics have included anxiety, setting boundaries, disclosing a PD diagnosis, and navigating the holidays with PD. Please feel free to email any topic requests you might have to info@powerforparkinsons.org

What is the atmosphere of the support groups? How should I expect the 75 minutes to be used?

The atmosphere and energy of each group is a direct reflection of the participants. Because our community members are the best (we mean you!), the previous support group meetings have been welcoming, relaxed, non-confrontational, non-intimidating, and uplifting. 

Our support groups start out with the facilitators reminding participants about group guidelines, followed by introductions by the group members and the facilitators. Then, the facilitators will present the topic of the day and provide basic psycho-educational information to the group members. After this, the facilitator offers a few discussion-starting questions to the group, and the group members carry on a robust conversation. PFP Support Groups do not include bringing in external speakers or presenters, and PFP Support groups will never be used to endorse a specific service, provider, or product. 

Will what I share with the group be confidential? 

Yes–each group has guidelines that help to keep all group members on the same page. One of the guidelines in each group is confidentiality- there is an agreement among all attendees that whatever is said within the group stays within the group!

What are the benefits of attending a support group? 

There have been various studies that establish the relationship between support group attendance and better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s (Artigas et al., 2015). Participation in a support group for people with Parkinson’s has been associated with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms and less social anxiety or social phobia (Artigas et al., 2015). Support groups improve people's quality of life by providing them with information about Parkinson’s disease, connecting them with individuals who have similar experiences to combat feeling alone, providing an opportunity to share concerns and anxieties, and enhancing people’s belief in their capability of overcoming any limitations or changes imposed by Parkinson’s Disease and it’s treatment (Artigas et al., 2015). Support groups also provide an opportunity to share your knowledge and coping strategies to help improve the lives of other people with PD.

What are the risks of attending a support group?

Support groups might have drawbacks for some individuals; however, our trained facilitators help to steer the groups away from these problems and address them if they happen. Problems may include inappropriate or unsound medical advice shared by other group members, tension between group members, or conversations dominated by negativity.